FJC Scout
Observer
Thanks. So does this mean they will be manufactured and shipped out of Oregon?
Fiberglass M416/M100 Military-style Trailer Tub Kit
- Thread starter jscherb
- Start date
Thanks. So does this mean they will be manufactured and shipped out of Oregon?
jscherb
Expedition Leader
Yes, in the Portland area.
jscherb
Expedition Leader
One more thing from my camping mockup... the angular fenders make great places to attach tables.
The board is 20" wide x 48" long, so with the 13" width of this fender, the table is just over 5' long.
For this mockup I just rested the board on some clamps on the lip of the fender and my camera tripod, but a really nice solution would be the side table hardware offered by Compact Camping, check it out: http://www.compactcampingconcepts.com/sidetable.htm
I expect most people would be putting "Jeep style" fenders on their trailers like the ones pictured below; the table hardware I linked to above should be compatible with those fenders as well.
The board is 20" wide x 48" long, so with the 13" width of this fender, the table is just over 5' long.
For this mockup I just rested the board on some clamps on the lip of the fender and my camera tripod, but a really nice solution would be the side table hardware offered by Compact Camping, check it out: http://www.compactcampingconcepts.com/sidetable.htm
I expect most people would be putting "Jeep style" fenders on their trailers like the ones pictured below; the table hardware I linked to above should be compatible with those fenders as well.
FJC Scout
Observer
Hot damn! I get to support locally! Looking forward to this'
ManleyORV
Rugged. Reliable. Ready.
Congratulations. I'll be sure to point customers in that direction if they are looking for a DIY kit.
BTW, I have to say, I showed everyone here at the office this thread along with your DIY articulating hitch... they were all very impressed with the thoroughness and illustrations and obviously the final product. If you don't mind me asking, what was your background professionally? I assume with the amount of time you put into these projects you've since retired? At least I hope that's the case, otherwise I want to know how you invented the 10 day workweek!!!
-Josh
jscherb
Expedition Leader
Thank you. And I'm sure the company that's licensed these kits would thank you too
.Again, thanks. The "TSC" 3-Axis coupler has worked out extremely well, at least for my personal use. It costs very little, just about all the parts are available at Tractor Supply (hence "TSC"), and takes an afternoon or two to build. I hope other people are able to build their own and use them for their own off-road adventures.
As for me, a successful career in high-tech management enabled me to stop collecting a paycheck while I'm young enough to enjoy it and I now spend full time on my hobbies and other interests. About half of my career was spent in media companies (you'd know them), and about half in software companies (you'd know some of my products). But that's all history, now I'm just a guy who has a hobby designing and building stuff that sometimes gets licensed by companies who think my designs are marketable.
Maybe there will be an opportunity for me to work with Manley on a product idea sometime
.
ManleyORV
Rugged. Reliable. Ready.
Thank you. And I'm sure the company that's licensed these kits would thank you too
Again, thanks. The "TSC" 3-Axis coupler has worked out extremely well, at least for my personal use. It costs very little, just about all the parts are available at Tractor Supply (hence "TSC"), and takes an afternoon or two to build. I hope other people are able to build their own and use them for their own off-road adventures.
As for me, a successful career in high-tech management enabled me to stop collecting a paycheck while I'm young enough to enjoy it and I now spend full time on my hobbies and other interests. About half of my career was spent in media companies (you'd know them), and about half in software companies (you'd know some of my products). But that's all history, now I'm just a guy who has a hobby designing and building stuff that sometimes gets licensed by companies who think my designs are marketable.
Maybe there will be an opportunity for me to work with Manley on a product idea sometime
Very cool... was just curious. So what's the next project after you get the fiberglass lid done?
-Josh
jscherb
Expedition Leader
Well first I'm going to finish one I started last year - I need to paint and do the final installation of my CJ Grille Kit on my LJ, all the fiberglass molds and parts are done - the photo on the right below was taken in November during a test fitting of the parts on the Jeep, days after that photo was taken I had a bicycle accident that prevented me from finishing that project. I'm recovered now, so painting can begin:
I've done a design for a JK version of my modular Safari Cab hardtop (LJ version shown above and below) although I probably won't start that until I have a JK here to work with.
I've also got some ideas for modular DIY kits for an offroad camper styled after the classic teardrop designs of the 50's (I like working on retro designs and modernizing them).
I guess I haven't really decided yet what my next big project will be.
jscherb
Expedition Leader
I'm beginning to work on the mold for the fiberglass hard cover.
The key design requirements:
I'm also working on a "quick release" capability, enabling the entire cover to be quickly and easily removed so the trailer can be used without the cover when needed.
I've posted these concept drawings on the 1/4 scale model before:
Here's another concept drawing on a photo of the prototype trailer...
The key design requirements:
- Two piece design so it's small enough to ship affordable UPS ground.
- Can be bolted together as one piece and hinged on the side or the end, or
- The two pieces can be hinged in the center to open separately
- Can support the weight of a roof top tent plus occupants or a rack basket with cargo
- Can be adapted to the original M100 and M416 trailers
I'm also working on a "quick release" capability, enabling the entire cover to be quickly and easily removed so the trailer can be used without the cover when needed.
I've posted these concept drawings on the 1/4 scale model before:
Here's another concept drawing on a photo of the prototype trailer...
FJC Scout
Observer
I'm beginning to work on the mold for the fiberglass hard cover.
The key design requirements:
Have I missed any important requirements?
- Two piece design so it's small enough to ship affordable UPS ground.
- Can be bolted together as one piece and hinged on the side or the end, or
- The two pieces can be hinged in the center to open separately
- Can support the weight of a roof top tent plus occupants or a rack basket with cargo
- Can be adapted to the original M100 and M416 trailers
I'm also working on a "quick release" capability, enabling the entire cover to be quickly and easily removed so the trailer can be used without the cover when needed.
I've posted these concept drawings on the 1/4 scale model before:
Here's another concept drawing on a photo of the prototype trailer...
Remind me, is there going to be a lid option from C.C.C. WITH the kit as well?
Definitely looking forward to that as well.
jscherb
Expedition Leader
I believe they are interested in the fiberglass hard cover, but whether or not they produce it, and what configuration options they support, would be their decision. Think of the cover I'm building as the "concept prototype", and they'll decide about the production version.
Also I'd guess they'll probably make the tonneau cover available (shown below), it's basically ready for production now, but that will be their decision as well.
jscherb
Expedition Leader
Earlier today someone had this response to my mockup of the fender-mounted table:
I think he was mostly pulling my leg, but I responded to the challenge with a very simple solution...
A $4.49 Harbor Freight camo tarp should be able to attach to the tent window canopy support rods using the grommets that are already in the tarp. Then you can make two simple stakes to stick in the ground at the other end and will support that end of the tarp through the grommets at that end. Problem solved.
I think he was mostly pulling my leg, but I responded to the challenge with a very simple solution...
A $4.49 Harbor Freight camo tarp should be able to attach to the tent window canopy support rods using the grommets that are already in the tarp. Then you can make two simple stakes to stick in the ground at the other end and will support that end of the tarp through the grommets at that end. Problem solved
.
ReconZJ
Observer
That pretty much describes my first attempt at a simple, quick to set up awning that attaches to my old Con-Ferr roof rack - an inexpensive HF tarp and a pair of Coleman extendable poles, about $12.95 at WalMart. I picked up a bag of a dozen clips to use to attach the tarp to my rack. Seems like the same basic concept you just illustrated. Haven't tested it yet, but might on my trip to Moab next week; at least, I'll have it with me.
Earlier today someone had this response to my mockup of the fender-mounted table:
I think he was mostly pulling my leg, but I responded to the challenge with a very simple solution...
A $4.49 Harbor Freight camo tarp should be able to attach to the tent window canopy support rods using the grommets that are already in the tarp. Then you can make two simple stakes to stick in the ground at the other end and will support that end of the tarp through the grommets at that end. Problem solved
Jeff, some quick thoughts:
- You show lift supports in the concept pic - would these come standard?
- Would like the latches to be lockable in some way, at minimum with padlocks. Could the lid support lockable paddle latches?
- Would the lid come in one hinge configuration but also have the hardware to adapt it to the other, or would you (or the manufacturer) see that as an order option? Or even a left as a DIY step by the customer?
- For tubs with a tailgate, it would be nice to not have to remove or open the lid to open the tailgate.
I can see lots of other little things like mounting lights inside the lid or ways to hang things, but these are all probably best left as DIY by customer.
Really cool to see this come to life!